Additive for quality determination of conversion coatings

ABSTRACT

A method of applying a trivalent chromium or chromium-free conversion coating to a metallic substrate including mixing a dye compound that interacts with electromagnetic radiation outside the human visual spectrum but not electromagnetic radiation that is within the human visual spectrum to produce an observable emission into the trivalent chromium or chromium-free conversion coating mixture to allow for inspection of the coating after applied with a correlating electromagnetic radiation source.

BACKGROUND

This application relates generally to anti-corrosion coatings, andspecifically to trivalent chromium conversion coatings.

Conversion coatings are used to protect metal components from corrosionby converting the surface of the component through a chemical process.Prior art uses hexavalent chromium conversion coatings to passivatemetallic substrates. However, hexavalent chromium is being phased out ofmost industry processes. Trivalent chromium or chromium-free conversioncoatings have replaced hexavalent chromium conversion coatings in mostapplications.

Trivalent chromium or chromium-free conversion coatings on metalliccomponents are essentially colorless, meaning they are typically notvisible when exposed to electromagnetic radiation in any usefulwavelength, including electromagnetic radiation within the human visualspectrum (about 390 nanometers to about 700 nanometers). In contrast,hexavalent chromium conversion coatings are yellow in color and easy forhumans to visually inspect for flaws in the coating. With colorlesstrivalent chromium or chromium-free conversion coatings, visualinspection of the coating integrity is not feasible without additionaladditives.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment, a component includes a substrate and a conversioncoating thereon. The conversion coating includes a conversion compoundand a dye compound, wherein the dye compound interacts withelectromagnetic radiation outside the human visual spectrum to producean observable emission.

In a second embodiment, a conversion coating solution includes acorrosion inhibiting component and a dye compound that interacts withelectromagnetic radiation but not electromagnetic radiation that iswithin the human visual spectrum to produce an observable emission.

In a third embodiment, a method includes applying electromagneticradiation to a conversion coating comprising a non-hexavalent chromiumcorrosion inhibiting compound and a dye compound that interacts withelectromagnetic radiation to produce an observable emission, andinspecting the integrity of the conversion coating with by observingemissions from the dye compound in response to the electromagneticradiation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a conversion coating on a substrate inwhich the conversion coating contains a dye compound that is observablewhen exposed to electromagnetic radiation outside the human visualspectrum on a substrate.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method of making a conversion coating thatincludes a dye compound that is observable when exposed toelectromagnetic radiation outside the human visual spectrum.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Colorless conversion coatings, such as trivalent chromium orchromium-free conversion coatings, can be inspected for flaws if a dyecompound that is observable when exposed to electromagnetic radiationoutside the human visual spectrum (but not electromagnetic radiationthat is within the human visual spectrum) is added to the conversioncoating during the coating process. Depending on the exact dye,material, or chemical additive utilized, inspection can be performedvisually or by means of instrumentation, if the additive is onlyobservable at an electromagnetic radiation range outside of the visiblespectrum. The human visible spectrum includes electromagnetic radiationhaving a wavelength between about 390 nanometers to about 700nanometers. Therefore, electromagnetic radiation outside the humanvisible spectrum includes radiation with a wavelength less than about390 nanometers, for example ultraviolet, x-ray, or gamma ray radiation,or with a wavelength greater than about 700 nanometers, for exampleinfrared or microwave radiation.

For instance, if a dye compound that is observable in the infrared orultraviolet range is added to a colorless conversion coating, theintegrity of the colorless conversion coating can be inspected easily ifthe appropriate wavelength of electromagnetic radiation is applied andthe coating is inspected via the appropriate instrumentation. In someembodiments, thus allows for observation by naked eye. This allows forcharacterization of flaws (lack of coverage) in coatings using readilyavailable inspection techniques. In addition, the use of a dye compoundthat is observable when exposed to electromagnetic radiation outside thehuman visual spectrum (but not electromagnetic radiation that is withinthe human visual spectrum) does not alter the human perception that theconversion coating is “colorless.”

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of substrate 10 having a surface 12 ontowhich conversion coating 14 is deposited. Conversion coating 14 containsdye compound 16 that is observable when exposed to electromagneticradiation outside the human visual spectrum (but not electromagneticradiation that is within the human visual spectrum). This non-visibleradiation is in the range of about 390 nanometers to about 700nanometers). Radiation source 18 generates radiation 20 that is of awavelength outside the human visual spectrum and directs radiation 20towards conversion coating 14. Dye compound 16 in conversion coating 14generates emission 22 as a result of interacting with radiation 20. Asfurther discussed below, emission 22 may be a fluorescence,phosphorescence, reflection or scattering of the non-absorbed radiationwavelengths depending on the particular dye compound 16 in conversioncoating 14 and the type of radiation 20 directed towards conversioncoating 14. Emission detector 24 receives emission 22 and permitsinspection of the integrity of conversion coating 14.

Substrate 10 can be any material that would benefit from being coatedwith a conversion coating 14. For example, substrate 10 can be steel,aluminum, zinc, cadmium, copper, silver, magnesium, tin, or alloysthereof. Substrate surface 12 can be the surface of an aircraftcomponent needing corrosion protection, such as, for example, gears,rotor blades, propellers, landing gear and wheels, panels, fan blades,fuel controls, heat exchangers, propeller spinners, propeller barrels orhubs, electronic boxes, nacelles, fasteners, or other components subjectto corrosion through friction or environmental stresses.

Conversion coating 14 is a trivalent chromium-based or chromium-freeconversion coating. Conversion coatings are coatings for metallicsubstrates 10 where surface 12 of substrate 10 reacts with theconversion coating 14 through a chemical process. Trivalentchromium-based or chromium-free conversion coatings 14 in particular areused to passivate metallic substrates 10, and can be used for corrosioninhibition, priming, decorative finishes, or for retention of electricalconductivity. For trivalent chromium-based conversion coatings, complexchromium (III), chromium sulfate, chromium hydroxide sulfate, chromiumtrifluoride solutions, dipotassium hexafluorozirconate, zinc sulfateheptahydrate, sodium sulphate, potassium tetrafloroborate, lanthanumnitrate hexahydrate, and combinations thereof can be used.

Importantly, surface 12 of substrate 10 is chemically altered by theapplication of conversion coating 14. The chemical conversion process isknown by a person skilled in the art. Conversion coating 14 thatcontains dye compound 16 interacts with substrate 10 molecules toprovide corrosion protection. However, dye compound 16 does not altersurface 12 of substrate 10, nor does dye compound 16 interact withconversion coating 14. Thus, dye compound 16 does not alter thecorrosion protection properties conversion coating 14 imparts to surface12.

Typically, the conversion coating 14 is no more than 500 nanometers.Conversion coating 10 is a trivalent chromium (or chromium-free)conversion coating. In one embodiment, the trivalent chromium componentof conversion coating 16 can be, for example, a trivalent chromium salt.In a chromium-free conversion coating variant, other chemical componentsmay be present depending on the type of conversion coating used.

Examples of commercially available trivalent chromium-containingcoatings include, Henkel® TCC coatings (BONDERITE M-CR T5900 RTU AERO,BONDERITE M-CR 871 AERO), Socomore® TCC coatings (Sococurf TCS/PACS),Chemeon® TCC coatings (Chemeon® TCP NP, Chemeon® TCP HF), and SurTec®TCC coatings (SurTec® 650V, 650, or 650C). Commercially availablechromium-free conversion coating include BONDERITE M-NT 5200 AERO (alsoknown as Alodine 5200) and BONDERITE M-NT 5700 AERO (also known asAlodine 5700) both by Henkel.

Dye compound 16 is a dye mixed in with conversion coating 14. Dyecompound 16 allows for inspection of conversion coating 14 followingirradiation with electromagnetic radiation 20 of an appropriatewavelength. Dye compound 16 interacts with electromagnetic radiationoutside the human visual spectrum, such as ultra violet light orinfrared light, but is otherwise compatible with conversion coating 14,meaning dye compound 16 does not alter the chemical composition orinherent properties of conversion coating 14 or substrate 10. In someembodiments, dye compound 16 reflects or scatters the non-absorbedwavelengths of electromagnetic radiation 20. In other embodiments, dyecompound 16 phosphoresces or fluoresces when it is exposed toelectromagnetic radiation 20. Alternatively, dye compound 16 can be adifferent material or chemical additive that is not a traditional “dye,”but nonetheless allows for inspection of conversion coating 14 followingirradiation with electromagnetic radiation 20 of an appropriatewavelength.

In one embodiment, the dye compound 16 emits in the visible range of thespectrum upon exposure to ultra-violet or higher frequencyelectromagnetic radiation, via either a fluorescence or aphosphorescence mechanism, thus enabling the visual inspection of theintegrity of the conversion coating. In a second embodiment, dyecompound 16 emits in a non-visible range of the spectrum upon exposureto a higher frequency electromagnetic radiation, again via either afluorescence or a phosphorescence mechanism. In this case, appropriateinstrumentation that allows for the visualization of the emittedradiation is utilized to inspect the integrity of the conversioncoating.

Dye compound 16 can be but is not limited to, for example, strontiumcontaining compounds, manganese containing compounds, rare earth metalcontaining compounds, organic compounds, or other fluorescent orphosphorescent material that interacts with electromagnetic radiation20. Fluorescent materials emit back light, typically in the humanvisible spectrum, upon their exposure to and absorbance of shorterwavelength electromagnetic radiation, such as UV light in the range of300 to 350 nanometers. The exact color fluorescent materials emitdepends on their molecular structure. These materials can be eitherinorganic or organic molecules.

Appropriate organic fluorescent materials include polycyclic orpolyaromatic hydrocarbons containing heteroatoms such as sulfur,nitrogen, and oxygen. For example, appropriate materials that fluorescein red include anthra-thioxanthene, thioxanthene benzanthrone, andanthraquinones. Materials that fluoresce in yellow includes xanthene,benzothioxanthene-dicarboximide, aminoketones, naphtalimide, andperylene. Materials that fluoresce in blue include coumarin andhydroxycoumarin. Appropriate inorganic fluorescent materials includesome divalent manganese containing salts such as manganese doped zincsilicate, which fluoresces green, or trivalent lathanide salts.

Phosphorescent materials emit back light upon being exposed toelectromagnetic radiation of a shorter wavelength. Compared tofluorescent materials, phosphorescent materials light emission is oflower intensity and lasts longer, for some time beyond the originalexcitation. Useful phosphorescent materials include strontiumaluminates, lanthanide doped (e.g., europium, dysprosium, cerium doped)or manganese doped strontium aluminates, or copper activated zincsulfide.

Generally, dye compound 16 should be no more than 15% by weight ofconversion coating 14, such as no more than 5% by weight of conversioncoating 14, and may be no more than 1% by weight of conversion coating14. Thus, dye compound 16 should not interfere with the chemistry ofconversion coating 14, but should still be observable when excited bythe correct wavelength of light for inspection.

Radiation source 18 is used to inspect the integrity of coating 14.Radiation source 18 should be selected such that it produces radiation20 that interacts with dye compound 16 to produce observable emission22. For example, if dye compound 16 absorbs electromagnetic radiation inthe ultra violet range, then radiation source 18 can be a UV lamp. Inother embodiments, radiation source 18 can be a black light, IR lamp, orlaser, depending on dye compound 16. Radiation source 18 inducesfluorescence, phosphorescence, or reflection, or scattering ofnon-absorbed radiation in dye compound 16 to allow observableinspection.

Emission detector 24 can be, for example, a human eye where emissions 22are within the visible spectrum. Alternatively, if emissions 22 areoutside of the visible spectrum, other types of detectors such as UV orIR detector devices can be used for detector 24. These alternative typesof detectors can be used in conjunction with an automated inspectionsystem and paired with a computer to record the inspection of coating14.

When coating 14 is inspected with radiation source 18, the inspectorlooks for uniformity, skipping, lines, and defects or damage to coating14. The inspector can also look for holes or wear in coating 14.Ideally, dye compound 16 has a long lifespan and allows for inspectionof parts with radiation source 18 after manufacturing and also after useof the parts in service. For example, parts in service that experiencehumidity, marine factors, acid rain, NO_(x), SO_(x), or otherenvironmental conditions, can be inspected to ensure coating 14 is stillintact.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of method 26 of making and inspecting a trivalentchromium or chromium-free conversion coating 14 containing a dyecompound 16 with steps 28-34.

First, in step 28, the coating is prepared. A conversion coating ischosen that will work to passivate the surface of the metallic componentneeding corrosion protection. The coating can be a commerciallyavailable conversion coating such as those discuss with reference toFIG. 1. The coating also includes a dye compound as described withreference to FIG. 1. The dye compound can be mixed into the conversioncoating through normal methods such as dispersion, mechanical mixing, orany other method that a person skilled in the art would deem to beappropriate. The coating may contain other chemicals such as surfactantsor additives for the integrity of the conversion coating. Mixing methodsshould avoid phase separation of the coating.

Next, in step 30, the coating is applied to the component surface.Conversion coatings can be applied through methods such as submergingthe substrate in a chemical bath, application with a pen or brush, orspray or wipe applications or any other method that a person skilled inthe art would deem to be appropriate. In some embodiments, the substratemay need to be prepared through cleaning or other surface modificationsto encourage adhesion of the coating using methods that a person skilledin the art would deem to be appropriate.

Alternatively, the conversion coating can be applied to the substratefirst, and the dye compound can be added during or after application ofthe coating to the substrate. If the dye compound is added afterapplication of the coating to the substrate, then the dye compound mustadhere to or get absorbed within the conversion coated surface, but notbe absorbed to an un-coated surface.

In step 32, the coating and component are cured. Depending on theconversion coating and dye chosen, the coating may be air dried, oralternatively cured with heat or other drying methods that a personskilled in the art would deem to be appropriate. The curing methodchosen should not damage the conversion coating or its corrosionresistance performance. This may limit the temperature range at whichthe coating and component are cured.

Once application of the coating to the component surface is complete,the coating is inspected with a radiation source in step 34. Theradiation source should correlate to the dye compound used in thecoating. For instance, if a dye compound that absorbs UV wavelengths oflight is used, then the radiation source should be a UV lamp. In otherembodiments, a fluorescent lamp, a phosphorescent lamp, an electron beamor other radiation source can be used.

Application of the radiation source to the coating allows dye compoundto become observable, and allows for inspection of the coating. Thecoating can be viewed for coating uniformity and thickness (throughdetection of “darkness” of the particular dye selected), and weak ormissed spots can be seen in this inspection. If there are seriousproblems with the coating, it can be stripped and re-applied.

This method of inspection can be used both immediately after coatingapplication and later after the substrate component has been in use. Forexample, a component can be coated with a conversion coating and dyecompound when manufactured, and then put into service. When maintenanceschedules require the component to be removed and inspected, the coatingcan also be inspected with the appropriate light source. This allows forcontinual monitoring of conversion coatings through the lifespan ofcomponents.

The use of a dye compound in a conversion coating allows for inspectionof the presence and uniformity of the surface treatment where thecoating is typically non-visible within the human visible spectrum. Thisallows for quality control in manufacturing and later repair of coatingwith defects. Moreover, the inspection of such a coating with aradiation source does not require difficult to obtain equipment and canbe an efficient, portable method of inspecting coatings.

Discussion of Possible Embodiments

The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible embodiments ofthe present invention.

A component includes a substrate and a conversion coating thereon. Theconversion coating includes a conversion compound and a dye compound,wherein the dye compound interacts with electromagnetic radiationoutside the human visual spectrum to produce an observable emission.

The component of the preceding paragraph can optionally include,additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the followingfeatures, configurations and/or additional components:

The substrate is selected from the group consisting of aluminum,magnesium, zinc, nickel, titanium, silver, steel, tin, and alloysthereof.

The dye compound contains molecules observable in the visible in thevisible, infrared, or ultra violet range of the electromagneticspectrum.

The dye compound is fluorescent.

The dye compound emits visible light when exposed to ultra-violetelectromagnetic radiation.

The conversion coating has a thickness of 20-500 nm.

A conversion coating solution includes a corrosion inhibiting componentand a dye compound that interacts with electromagnetic radiation but notelectromagnetic radiation that is within the human visual spectrum toproduce an observable emission.

The coating of the preceding paragraph can optionally include,additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the followingfeatures, configurations and/or additional components:

The corrosion inhibiting component is selected from the group consistingof, complex chromium (III), chromium sulfate, chromium hydroxidesulfate, chromium trifluoride solutions, dipotassiumhexafluorozirconate, zinc sulfate heptahydrate, sodium sulphate,potassium tetrafloroborate, lanthanum nitrate hexahydrate, andcombinations thereof.

The non-visible dye component comprises fluorescent molecules selectedfrom the group consisting of polycyclic hydrocarbons, polyaromatichydrocarbons, and combinations thereof.

The polyaromatic hydrocarbons contain sulfur, nitrogen, or oxygen.

The polycyclic or polyaromatic hydrocarbons are selected from the groupconsisting of anthra-thioxanthene, thioxanthene benzanthrone,anthraquinones, xanthene, benzothioxanthene-dicarboximide, aminoketones,coumarin, hydroxycoumarin, naphthalimide and perylene.

The non-visible dye component comprises phosphorescent moleculesselected from the group consisting of strontium aluminates, lanthanidedoped strontium aluminates, manganese doped strontium aluminates, andcopper activate zinc sulfide.

The non-visible dye comprises less than 15% by weight of the conversioncoating solution.

The non-visible dye comprises less than 10% by weight of the conversioncoating solution.

The non-visible dye comprises less than 5% by weight of the conversioncoating solution.

A method of inspecting a conversion coating includes applyingelectromagnetic radiation to a conversion coating comprising anon-hexavalent chromium corrosion inhibiting compound and a dye compoundthat interacts with electromagnetic radiation to produce an observableemission, and inspecting the integrity of the conversion coating with byobserving emissions from the dye compound in response to theelectromagnetic radiation.

The method of the preceding paragraph can optionally include,additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the followingfeatures, configurations and/or additional components:

The method includes applying the conversion coating to a substrate andcuring the conversion coating on the substrate.

Applying electromagnetic radiation comprises inducing phosphoresce inthe dye compound.

Applying electromagnetic radiation comprises inducing fluorescence inthe dye compound.

Applying electromagnetic radiation comprises exposing the dye compoundto ultra violet light to induce black light emission from the dyecompound.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplaryembodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that theinvention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of theappended claims.

1. A component comprising: a substrate; and a conversion coating thereoncomprising: a corrosion inhibiting compound; and a dye compound, whereinthe dye compound interacts with electromagnetic radiation outside thehuman visual spectrum to produce an observable emission.
 2. Thecomponent of claim 1, wherein the substrate is selected from the groupconsisting of aluminum, magnesium, zinc, nickel, titanium, silver,steel, tin, and alloys thereof.
 3. The component of claim 1, wherein thedye compound contains molecules observable in the visible, infrared, orultra violet range of the electromagnetic spectrum.
 4. The component ofclaim 1, wherein the dye compound is fluorescent.
 5. The component ofclaim 1, wherein the dye compound emits visible light when exposed toultra-violet electromagnetic radiation.
 6. The component of claim 1,wherein the conversion coating has a thickness of 20-500 nm.
 7. Aconversion coating solution comprising: a corrosion inhibitingcomponent; and a dye compound that interacts with electromagneticradiation but not electromagnetic radiation that is within the humanvisual spectrum to produce an observable emission.
 8. The solution ofclaim 7, wherein the corrosion inhibiting component is selected from thegroup consisting of, complex chromium (III), chromium sulfate, chromiumhydroxide sulfate, chromium trifluoride solutions, dipotassiumhexafluorozirconate, zinc sulfate heptahydrate, sodium sulphate,potassium tetrafloroborate, lanthanum nitrate hexahydrate, andcombinations thereof.
 9. The solution of claim 7, wherein thenon-visible dye component comprises fluorescent molecules selected fromthe group consisting of polycyclic hydrocarbons, polyaromatichydrocarbons, and combinations thereof.
 10. The solution of claim 9,wherein the polyaromatic hydrocarbons contain sulfur, nitrogen, oroxygen.
 11. The solution of claim 9, wherein the polycyclic orpolyaromatic hydrocarbons are selected from the group consisting ofanthra-thioxanthene, thioxanthene benzanthrone, anthraquinones,xanthene, benzothioxanthene-dicarboximide, aminoketones, coumarin,hydroxycoumarin, naphthalimide and perylene.
 12. The solution of claim7, wherein the non-visible dye component comprises phosphorescentmolecules selected from the group consisting of strontium aluminates,lanthanide doped strontium aluminates, manganese doped strontiumaluminates, and copper activate zinc sulfide.
 13. The solution of claim7, wherein the non-visible dye comprises less than 15% by weight of theconversion coating solution.
 14. The solution of claim 13, wherein thenon-visible dye comprises less than 10% by weight of the conversioncoating solution.
 15. The solution of claim 14, wherein the non-visibledye comprises less than 5% by weight of the conversion coating solution.16. A method of inspecting a conversion coating comprising: applyingelectromagnetic radiation to a conversion coating comprising anon-hexavalent chromium corrosion inhibiting compound and a dye compoundthat interacts with electromagnetic radiation to produce an observableemission; and inspecting the integrity of the conversion coating with byobserving emissions from the dye compound in response to theelectromagnetic radiation.
 17. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising applying the conversion coating to a substrate and curing theconversion coating on the substrate.
 18. The method of claim 16, whereinapplying electromagnetic radiation comprises inducing phosphoresce inthe dye compound.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein applyingelectromagnetic radiation comprises inducing fluorescence in the dyecompound.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein applying electromagneticradiation comprises exposing the dye compound to ultra violet light toinduce black light emission from the dye compound.